Health insurance, not health care

A common misunderstanding underlying much of the current health care debate results from not distinguishing between a government option regarding our health insurance versus adoption of a government-run health care system.

The outcome of this confusion is misdirected ire, and it comes not only from the general public but also (intentionally, perhaps?) from elected officials whose goal seems to be to use this debate to weaken the current administration.

It needs to be pointed out that the debate taking place in Congress is about a government option for health insurance, and is not about a government takeover of our nation's health care system.

A public option for health insurance would set up badly-needed competition for health care insurers, who currently, and understandably, have only one bottom-line goal: the maximizing of profits for their shareholders.

A government-run health care system is not on the table now. It can and probably will be a debate for the future.